The Party Dress » wedding dresses

Wedding Inspiration: Autumn Elegance

Kelly — Thu, 08 Oct 2009 09:00:07 +0000

I have a soft spot for autumn weddings that are part chic, part rustic. As some of you know, I too was an October bride! In fact, we are coming up on our first anniversary next week. Stay tuned for some pictures from our wedding next week…..

When I saw these centerpieces from Floral Art in LA, I absolutely fell head over heels. I love the juxtaposition of the antiqued-mirror vase, done in the modern square cube. The soft, traditional hydrangeas mixed with the rustic berry branches and greenery. Rustic meets elegance. And I am loving every square inch of it! This concept could be done for any type of party…it would be stunning for a Fall dinner party! If you are interested in finding these mirror vases, I found similar ones at Colonial Candle. (and yes, my order is already placed!)

A beautiful centerpiece like this deserves an inspiration board. I would pull the rich brown, gold and deep plum colors out of the flowers to use as a color palette. Invite your guests with an classic white invitation, updated with plum ink and a modern design.

For a creative place card display, use a series of wood trays filled with birdseed. Your place cards will stand up in the birdseed, and look will lend itself to the rustic side of the event. The color brown could also be pulled out into the tablecloths. It will fill the room with a sense of warmth, and the look of white plates on the brown will give it a modern edge.

Party favors are typically a small token for your guests to remember the evening by….and since they are normally small, the packaging is very important. Something as simple as a customized label takes something ordinary and makes it extraordinary. My Own Labels has a great assortment of labels – perfect for all of your wedding or party needs. Different styles, numerous colors – so many options that each hostess can create their own look. I used these for my own wedding….on our welcome baskets, direction cards, goodie bags for the bridesmaids and on our cake boxes. A perfect detail that can add a cohesive element to your event.

Images: table setting and centerpiece (floralartla.com), wedding cake (thecakegirls.com), place cards (saltharbor.com), beaded wedding gown (jcrew.com), boutonniere and favor boxes (theknot.com)

Wedding Inspiration: Sophisticated and Sassy

Kelly — Tue, 18 Aug 2009 12:00:46 +0000

Sophisticated and sassy, this black, white and yellow wedding inspiration is nothing short of spectacular!

Images: Centerpiece (brides.com), Amsale Nadine Dress (stylemepretty.com), Yellow Wedding Cake
(thecakegirls.com), Anemones Bouquet (marthastewartweddings.com), Yellow & Black Desserts
(amyatlas.com), Letterpress ‘Fluted Bracket: Black’ Invitation
(weddingpaperdivas.com)

Wedding Inspiration: Pretty in Plaid

Kelly — Thu, 30 Jul 2009 12:00:39 +0000

For a summertime wedding full of charm, take some old “country” ideas and update them to create a modern event that will have the town talking for weeks! If you are a bride planning an outdoor, casual wedding, opt for a short wedding gown, such as this one from Amsale. Short and sassy will not only update your look, but it will keep you cool on the dance floor!

Green and purple are a natural pair….but instead of opting for soft, pastel colors…..go bold! A chartreuse green and strong purple will bring your event to life and you can have a ton of fun with your decor. Use white and green as your base colors, and pop in the purple in all of your floral details.

Update a classic white wedding invitation with a bold green monogram like this one from Wedding Paper Divas, and carry the green ink thru all of your stationery. Wedding programs, thank you cards, even the placecards. When it comes to decorating your tables, take a cue from those old “country charm” ideas I mentioned above and use a plaid table cloth. Done in these bold colors, it looks updated and fresh….perfect for a summer wedding! I love the centerpieces on this table! They took footed trifle bowls and filled them with a large bunch of the same bloom – here they used irises. The single bloom, and bold color from the irises is a more modern look – paired with the plaid table cloth – it’s the perfect combination!

Carry the green throughout your event by creating a dessert buffet to surround the wedding cake. Dessert buffets offer your guests a bunch of options in terms of dessert, and when they are done in a monochromatic theme they look oh, so sophisticated!

Images: short wedding gown (amsale.com), purple bouquet (theknot.com), plaid table setting (brides.com), invitation (weddingpaperdivas.com), lime placecards (realsimple.com), dessert buffet (amyatlas.com)

White Wedding

Kelly — Wed, 08 Jul 2009 12:00:36 +0000

I always dreamed of having a white wedding….there is just something so elegant and romantic about it! I was married in October, so the white color palette just wasn’t going to work for me….but for all of you brides out there, I encourage you to explore the possibilities of a white, white wedding!

I think of white as a very “classic” color. You can give it a modern edge by using some un-traditional items in your centerpieces and decorations. I love the look of the white twigs in the centerpieces pictured above…..a touch of natural beauty, but placed with large, white blooms it creates a perfect balance of elegant and traditional, with a touch of modern appeal. Decorations don’t have to be complicated or elaborate! Have a room full of plain doors?! Hang a wreath of white flowers on each door….not only with the repetition be stunning, but it’s a simple way to elevate the space.

Images: bridal party (theknot.com), bouquet and wreath (projectwedding.com), table setting, white urn, party favor (brides.com), wedding cake (thecakegirls.com)

Wedding Inspiration: Shades of Green

Kelly — Tue, 23 Jun 2009 12:00:37 +0000

I don’t know what it is about the color green – I’m constantly drawn to it! Most people would probably say that it’s my Irish background, or the ting of red in my hair…..but in reality, I love that no matter what shade of green you choose, it is a rich color that compliments almost any palette.

When planning any event, it is important to choose a couple of elements or details to repeat throughout for continuity. For this particular inspiration board, it’s all about the green! Rich emerald green, accented with a lighter grass green, and popped with white – throw in a few pink flowers, and you have a striking combination. I love using ribbons as details – notice here that ribbon is used as an accent in the programs, and the favors, and is even tied around the cookies. The silhouettes of the bride and groom is a repeated element that gives the event a classic feel.

Images: wedding feet (katebesonphotography.com), cake (projectwedding.com), centerpiece (partyspot.com), bouquet (patricialyonphotography.com), silhouette programs, favors and cookies (theknot.com), chandelier (toddevents.com)

Wedding Inspiration for a Georgia Peach

Kelly — Fri, 08 May 2009 12:00:00 +0000

Today I am answering an e-mail from one of my readers….

“I am in the beginning stages of planning my wedding and desperately need some help! I am a southern belle and want to have an outdoor wedding in my home state of Georgia. I’m looking for a color palette that incorporates the color peach – but I don’t want anything too traditional. I want it to look fun and special! Can you help me?“

An outdoor wedding for a Georgia Peach….here you go!

Start with your color palette – peach, with accents of lime green, yellow and white. It’s fresh and will look fun and modern in your outdoor setting.

Since your wedding will be outside – provide your guests with a colorful fan that doubles as your ceremony program.

In order to keep your space light and airy, keep everything white – the tent (which would be stunning draped with white lanterns!), white chairs, and white pillows on the lounging furniture. Use your pop colors – peach, lime green, and yellow – in your accents. A green and white stripe table cloth gives a garden feel, and orange cocktails passed by waiters, and a cake adorned with colorful sweet pea flowers complete the vision.

Since your wedding is outdoors, make sure to keep the attire in line with the dressiness of the event. Instead of having your groom wear a tuxedo, try a tan suit with a tie that incorporates all of your pop colors. Have the bridesmaids wear your signature color of peach – tea-length or short would be most appropriate (and the girls will be so thankful they don’t have to wear a long dress on a hot, summer day!). Have the bridesmaids carry bouquets of crisp, white flowers – but for – you should stand out with a bouquet of peach roses!

Images: tie, bridesmaids, table setting, bouquet, and programs (theknot.com), tent lounge area (swsmag.com), sweet pea cake (brides.com)

COLOR: Bold Teal and Orchid

Kelly — Wed, 06 May 2009 12:00:42 +0000

A lot of the COLOR posts I do focus on the pretty, pale colors…..not today! Today is all about bold, bold, bold!

My inspiration today is a beautiful room I found on the Harlequin Fabric & Wallpaper website. Harlequin is a company in the UK that offers an eclectic, elegant, and versatile range of weaves, prints and wallcoverings that will satisfy the most demanding of tastes.

Shades of deep teal, popped with orchid purple and accents of brown and white….this color palette has a stunning wedding written all over it!

White flowers and dishes look fresh up against the strong teal walls and linens – add a touch of chocolate brown by tying a ribbon on your teal favor boxes and place them on each seat. You can also bring in the brown color and satisfy your guest’s sweet tooth by offering a lavish chocolate buffet for dessert! Offer cellophane bags and teal ribbon to pack up some goodies to bring home at the end of the evening. Deep shades of color, stunning accents and an evening rich in love – perfect!

Images: teal room (harlequin.uk.com), boutonniere and calla lilly bouquet (weddingchannel.com), table (theknot.com), bridesmaid dresses (swsmag.com), welcome sign (theknot.com), favor boxes (aboutdetailsdetails.com), chocolate buffet (brides.com)

Bridal Fashion Week: Spring 2010

Kelly — Mon, 13 Apr 2009 12:04:02 +0000

Before I show you today’s Wedding inspiration board, I thought I would show you a recap of the Spring 2010 Bridal Fashion Week that just took place in New York. Beautiful gowns….for a complete gallery of images, check out Martha Stewart Weddings or The Knot….but these are a few of my favorites!

There is just something magical about your wedding gown. Nothing can make you feel quite as special or beautiful. I loved my gown….in fact, I think the ONLY part of my entire wedding that made me sad was the fact that I will never wear it again. It’s hanging in a closet at my parent’s house. I visit it occassionally….even contemplate putting it on again! I often joke around with my husband that some day he will come home from work, and I’ll be sitting in the living room watching TV in my gown….I think he realizes that I am only half kidding….

A Modern Twist on a Black & White Wedding

Kelly — Mon, 13 Apr 2009 12:03:16 +0000

There are so many options when it comes to planning a wedding with a black & white color palette….an elegant black tie affair, a modern event in a lounge with all white furniture….or you could go this route:

Clean polka dots and stripes, happy flowers and a ruffle here or there – creates a modern, somewhat preppy event.

The gerber daisy centerpiece is an idea that you could do for any special occassion – and would be darling in any color.

Images: couple watching fireworks, gerber daisy centerpiece and favor boxes (brides.com),

ruffled wedding gown (jcrew.com), wedding cake (instyleweddings.com),

placecards (theknot.com)

Lilac & Green: A Spring Wedding

Kelly — Thu, 19 Mar 2009 12:00:27 +0000

I love those first few days of Spring. Everything is in bloom and everyone is just so happy to be back outside! Springtime is the perfect time for a wedding, and today I am going to show you an inspiration for a garden wedding with a sophisticated lilac & green color palette. (Maybe I still have green on the brain from St. Patrick’s Day!?)

A few things to consider when thinking about the fashion side of your wedding: make sure that your dress equals the level of formality of your wedding. For a garden wedding, I love this dress – not too formal, but completely unforgettable with the green sash and flower brooch. Seeing as though a tuxedo may be too formal for your groom and his groomsmen, try a dark suit but add in a pattern tie that pulls all of your colors together. Mix and match your bridesmaids and flower girls – no one says they need to wear the same color!

There are some wonderful details for a garden wedding below….enjoy!

Tables are set up outside, using the natural greenery as a backdrop. The flowers are done in shades of purple and are a lovely compliment to the natural decor of the garden; the white linens look crisp on a Spring day. You can use simple details to give the day a modern feeling – such as arranging the place cards through rows of limes, having candles floating in a cylinder vase of black rocks. These little touches take a traditional setting and bring an updated feel to the event.

You can have a lot of fun with the food you serve at weddings these days – it’s all in the presentation! For instance, try serving miniature crab cakes on a slice of lime for an hors d’oeuvre. Set up a candy bar along with your wedding cake – using only green candies. You could even offer celephane bags for people to fill and bring home as favors.

A Spring wedding promises a beautiful celebration of love and a lovely day in the garden!

Fashion Images: purple flower girl dress (marthastewartweddings.com), wedding gown,

green bridesmaid dresses andgroom’s tie (theknot.com)

Detail Images: table setting (projectwedding.com), purple bouquet (instyleweddings.com), programs (theknot.com), estate (brides.com), floral tree and candy favors (marthastewartweddings.com),